Saturday, December 27, 2008

Ever wondered what life is like in an African village?Have you dreamed of studying an indigenous culture at its source?This summer, join ThisWorldMusic (http://www.thisworldmusic.com) andUMass Amherst us as we journey to the Dagbe Cultural Center in thecoastal village of Kopeyia, Ghana, where traditions passed down forcenturies are kept alive in their original form:

In this 3-week intensive cultural immersion course, students will beintroduced to a wide range of topics related to African culture,philosophy, and daily life. Led by UMass adjunct faculty member andThisWorldMusic Founder Jeremy Cohen, the group will live for 2 weeksin the Dagbe Center's clean, comfortable, dormitory-styleaccommodations, receiving hands-on training from indigenous artists indrumming, dancing, singing and visual arts. Dagbe's rigorousinstruction and authentic natural surroundings make for an experienceunlike any other.

A full listing of regularly held West African Dance and Drum classes taught by master artists in and around Boston can be found at our website:www.wadabo.comWADaBo is an entirely volunteer effort, if you would like to help out in anyway, please contact wadabo@gmail.comWADaBo is a collective of individuals interested in promoting and enjoying Dance, Drum, Music, Language and Culture from West African and the DiasporaIf you would like to be removed from this list, or only contacted for certain events (performances, workshops, etc), please go tohttp://lists.wadabo.com/mailman/listinfo/wadabo_updatesand subscribe to this list. Pass it on!

Why pay more at the door? Tickets are on sale online until SATURDAYDec 27th! Pre-register for classes and buy party and concert ticketsnow at discounted rates! Go to www.taziainc.com/taziatickets.html!

A full listing of regularly held West African Dance and Drum classes taught by master artists in and around Boston can be found at our website:www.wadabo.comWADaBo is an entirely volunteer effort, if you would like to help out in anyway, please contact wadabo@gmail.comWADaBo is a collective of individuals interested in promoting and enjoying Dance, Drum, Music, Language and Culture from West African and the DiasporaIf you would like to be removed from this list, or only contacted for certain events (performances, workshops, etc), please go tohttp://lists.wadabo.com/mailman/listinfo/wadabo_updatesand subscribe to this list. Pass it on!

[Note: I have just received the following announcement from theDjoniba Dance & Drum Centre. These are very tough times for most danceprofessionals and institutions. If you can manage to help in any way,please visit the Centre's site for more information.]

Djoniba Dance & Drum Centre, the legendary New York City multi-ethnicdance school and not-for-profit organization, is closing its doors onDecember 31st, after 15 years of "exceptional contributions to ourcity" (New York City Council proclamation). Hit by the economiccrisis--with fewer students attending classes -- and a major rentincrease, DDDC has no other option but to sadly shut down.

The immediate result would be 55 teachers and drummers losing theirjobs. Hundreds of children from lower income families losing theopportunity to receive free dance scholarships, along with thousandsof adult students losing their community workout, a place to releasestress and convene "Since its establishment, Djoniba Dance & DrumCentre-one of New York City's largest minority-owned culturalcenters--has dedicated itself to connecting men and women of all agesand ethnicities through the arts.

In a letter of June 2007, Mayor Bloomberg wrote, "As we look back onthe incredible accomplishments of DDDC's 15 years, we also lookforward to even greater achievements on the horizon."

"I am confident that the New York community and government officials,who understand the profound impact that our philosophy and ethnicdance taught in our institution has on so many lives, will rally upand help us continue our mission of providing health, fitness, andharmony amongst New Yorkers" says the founder Djoniba Mouflet.

How you can help

DDDC needs funds for a new home and is urgently seeking aid. You canmake donations online or by mail. Contributions will allow forconstruction, fundraising, architectural design, web design, buildingmaterials, office furniture and equipment. Who knows how long thiseconomic climate will last--but what kind of city will be left whenit's over, if we allow our community owned cultural institutions toclose?

About Djoniba Dance & Drum Centre

Since its inception in 1992, as a not-for-profit cultural andcharitable organization, the Djoniba Dance and Drum Centre has strivedto celebrate our global diversity through world dance and music and isdedicated to bridging the gap between all ages, ethnic groups, andcultures through dance and music. The Centre is one of New York City'slargest minority-owned dance studio, and the only cultural center inthe world specializing in multi-ethnic dance and drum. The Centreserves thousands of adults and children annually, has a roster of 35master teachers dancers and drummers, who teach more than 100 danceclasses per week in more than 30 different styles of movement andmusic from around the world.

Founded and directed by Djoniba Mouflet, the internationally-acclaimeddrummer, dancer, teacher, performer and choreographer, the Centrehouses three dance studios, a children's program and an adult eveningprogram. DDDC has become a popular cultural and fitness spot, attendedby celebrities like Tyra Banks, Julia Roberts, Brook Shields andfeatured in several magazines, newspapers and major TV shows.

Awarded "Best New York Dance School" several years in a row by TheVillage Voice, New York Magazine, New York Press and AM New York, DDDChas also been recognized by city officials-including Mayor Bloomberg,The New York City Council, Manhattan Borough president Scott M.Stringer, as well as New York State Assembly N. Godfrey for itsoutstanding service to the New York community.

"It is the tradition and custom of the New York City Council to honorits most distinguished citizens, and today we are pleased to recognizeDjoniba Dance & Drum Centre, Inc for its exceptional contributions toour City. Today, we honor Djoniba Dance & Drum Centre, Inc., anorganization that has distinguished itself in service to thecommunity: is has enriched us with its presence and achievements andis worthy of the esteem of all New Yorkers." (Proclamation by TheCouncil of the City of New York)_______________________________________________WaDaBo_Updates mailing list, WaDaBo_Updates@wadabo.comSubscribe, Unsubscribe or View Archive:http://lists.wadabo.com/mailman/listinfo/wadabo_updates_____________________________________________This email is brought to you by www.WADaBo.com (West African Dance in Boston)

A full listing of regularly held West African Dance and Drum classes taught by master artists in and around Boston can be found at our website:www.wadabo.comWADaBo is an entirely volunteer effort, if you would like to help out in anyway, please contact wadabo@gmail.comWADaBo is a collective of individuals interested in promoting and enjoying Dance, Drum, Music, Language and Culture from West African and the DiasporaIf you would like to be removed from this list, or only contacted for certain events (performances, workshops, etc), please go tohttp://lists.wadabo.com/mailman/listinfo/wadabo_updatesand subscribe to this list. Pass it on!

Dear African Dance & Drum community, In this time of giving and family, please take a minute to reach out and help someone who is in dire need in our own African dance and music family, Daniel Soumah:

The African drum and dance community are reaching out at this time to ask for financial donations to help Susan & Daniel Soumah with the very trying time they are experiencing.

It is a terrible misfortune that Daniel is very sick with cancer. Daniel got a chance to come to America to marry Susan and better his life, and now he is ill. Dana Farber has done all they can do for him. The cancer is no longer responding to his chemo treatments. The cancer has spread to several areas of his body and is very progressive. They are preparing them for only months, not years, for Daniel to live.

Daniel would very much like to fly home to see his family for a short visit and then return to be with Susan. Due to many health risk factors, it is uncertain if the trip would be too much for him.

Another option they are contemplating, is to have one or two of his family members be able to fly here from Guinea to be with Daniel in the near future.

In either case, assistance would be very much appreciated by Susan & Daniel in their time of need. Your prayers are as well.

If you wish to help with a donation gift, please contact Fatou F'Diaye at: fndiaye79@yahoo.com, or phone her at either of these numbers:

Monday, December 22, 2008

Dear Everyone, Happy Holidays! Here is the schedule of African and Diaspora classes for the Dance Complex. Please contact teachers directly with any questions regarding this schedule. This reflects information to the best of my knowledge as of 6pm, Monday, December 22nd.

Happy relaxing and happy dancing!-Darya

AT THE DANCE COMPLEX (536 Mass Ave, Central Sq., Cambridge):

TUESDAY, December 23RD

WILL BE HELD:

7:30-9:00 African -Astou Sagna

WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, & FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24 - 26

DANCE COMPLEX IS CLOSED!

SATURDAY, December 27TH

CLASSES CANCELLED:

9:30-10:30 Beg. Basics Hip Hop -Carl Alleyne

10:30-12:00 Capoeira-Mestre Chuvisco

10:30-11:30 Beg. Hip Hop -Carl Alleyne

1:30-3:00 Haitian -Jean Appolon

WILL BE HELD:

1:30-3:00 Samba -Deraldo Ferreira

3:00-5:00 Capoeira -Mestre Deraldo

4:30-6:00 African -Fatou N'Diaye

SUNDAY, December 28TH

CLASSES CANCELLED:

11:00-12:30 Modern Technique -Jean Appolon

WILL BE HELD:

12:00-1:30 Afro-Cuban -Reynaldo Gonzalez (Sub: Lilian Oveida)

1:30-3:00 African Sabar -Pape N'Diaye

1:30-2:30 Samba de Gafieira -Glenio de Oliveira

3:00-4:30 African -Joh Camara (Sub: Robin)

MONDAY, December 29TH

CLASSES CANCELLED:

6:30-8:00 Capoeira Rgional -Mestre Chuvisco

WILL BE HELD:

6:00-7:30 African -Ife Bolden

TUEESDAY, December 30TH

WILL BE HELD:

7:30-9:00 African -Astou Sagna

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31st & THURSDAY, JANUARY 1st

DANCE COMPLEX IS CLOSED!

FRIDAY, January 2ND

CLASSES CANCELLED:

6:00-7:30 African -Fatou Carol Sylla

SATURDAY, January 3rd & SUNDAY, January 4th

BACK TO NORMAL SCHEDULE – NO CANCELLATIONS!

In the case of inclement weather, call 617.547.9363 - the out-going voice message will list any closures or late openings.

A full listing of regularly held West African Dance and Drum classes taught by master artists in and around Boston can be found at our website:www.wadabo.comWADaBo is an entirely volunteer effort, if you would like to help out in anyway, please contact wadabo@gmail.comWADaBo is a collective of individuals interested in promoting and enjoying Dance, Drum, Music, Language and Culture from West African and the DiasporaIf you would like to be removed from this list, or only contacted for certain events (performances, workshops, etc), please go tohttp://lists.wadabo.com/mailman/listinfo/wadabo_updatesand subscribe to this list. Pass it on!

Issa's and Seydou's classes are happening this Sunday (11AM and 12PM respectively) at the Brown-RISD Hillel.

Come out and drum and dance for the last time this year! Tell your friends! Many people will be out of town; we had 5 people say they would come to dance class but it would be great to have a few more._______________________________________________WaDaBo_Updates mailing list, WaDaBo_Updates@wadabo.comSubscribe, Unsubscribe or View Archive:http://lists.wadabo.com/mailman/listinfo/wadabo_updates_____________________________________________This email is brought to you by www.WADaBo.com (West African Dance in Boston)

A full listing of regularly held West African Dance and Drum classes taught by master artists in and around Boston can be found at our website:www.wadabo.comWADaBo is an entirely volunteer effort, if you would like to help out in anyway, please contact wadabo@gmail.comWADaBo is a collective of individuals interested in promoting and enjoying Dance, Drum, Music, Language and Culture from West African and the DiasporaIf you would like to be removed from this list, or only contacted for certain events (performances, workshops, etc), please go tohttp://lists.wadabo.com/mailman/listinfo/wadabo_updatesand subscribe to this list. Pass it on!

Issa's and Seydou's classes are on this Sunday (11AM and 12PM respectively) at the Brown-RISD Hillel.

Come out and drum and dance for the last time this year! Tell your friends! Many people will be out of town; we had 5 people say they would come to dance class but it would be great to have a few more. _______________________________________________WaDaBo_Updates mailing list, WaDaBo_Updates@wadabo.comSubscribe, Unsubscribe or View Archive:http://lists.wadabo.com/mailman/listinfo/wadabo_updates_____________________________________________This email is brought to you by www.WADaBo.com (West African Dance in Boston)

A full listing of regularly held West African Dance and Drum classes taught by master artists in and around Boston can be found at our website:www.wadabo.comWADaBo is an entirely volunteer effort, if you would like to help out in anyway, please contact wadabo@gmail.comWADaBo is a collective of individuals interested in promoting and enjoying Dance, Drum, Music, Language and Culture from West African and the DiasporaIf you would like to be removed from this list, or only contacted for certain events (performances, workshops, etc), please go tohttp://lists.wadabo.com/mailman/listinfo/wadabo_updatesand subscribe to this list. Pass it on!

Saturday, December 06, 2008

Master Cuban dancer, Lilian Oviedo,member of the world-renown Cuban dance company, Afro-Cuba de Matanzaz,is in town and will be teaching Reynaldo Gonzalez's Afro-Cuban dance classon 12/7, 12/14, and 12/21 while Reynaldo is traveling.

Don't miss this special opportunity to study with one of Cuba's finestteachers. Accompanied by live bata drums and singing! Class is $12 perstudent.Afro-Cuban Dance Class is held every Sunday, 12noon-1:30pm in studio #2at the Dance Complex, 536 Massachusetts Avenue, Central Square, Cambridgewww.DanceComplex.org_______________________________________________WaDaBo_Updates mailing list, WaDaBo_Updates@wadabo.comSubscribe, Unsubscribe or View Archive:http://lists.wadabo.com/mailman/listinfo/wadabo_updates_____________________________________________This email is brought to you by www.WADaBo.com (West African Dance in Boston)

A full listing of regularly held West African Dance and Drum classes taught by master artists in and around Boston can be found at our website:www.wadabo.comWADaBo is an entirely volunteer effort, if you would like to help out in anyway, please contact wadabo@gmail.comWADaBo is a collective of individuals interested in promoting and enjoying Dance, Drum, Music, Language and Culture from West African and the DiasporaIf you would like to be removed from this list, or only contacted for certain events (performances, workshops, etc), please go tohttp://lists.wadabo.com/mailman/listinfo/wadabo_updatesand subscribe to this list. Pass it on!

MR. DANNY RODRIGUEZ, an Oriate (Diviner-Priest) of the Ocha religion (often called Santeria) will present a lecture onhis experiences in the religion. At the end, Mr. Rodriguez will take questions from the audience.

LOCATION: William James Hall, Rm. 1 (in the basement), Corner of Kirkland St. and Divinity Ave., Cambridge INFORMATION: amcgee@fas.harvard.edu

This is the last installment in the Afro-Atlantic Religions Lecture Series planned by Prof. J. Lorand Matory with the support of the Department of African and African American Studies, the David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies, and the Committee on African Studies at HarvardUniversity. PLEASE NOTE: The last lecture planned for the series, Mr. Milian on 12/11, is CANCELLED.

Monday, December 01, 2008

Saturday, December 6th, 2008, 4:00-6:00pmFree & Open to the Public! At the M.L. King School Auditorium, 100 Putnam Ave, Cambridge, MA

Hosted by De Ama Battle and Carol Hill

Please bring food to be shared for the Kwanzaa Karamu Feast. Kwanzaa stamps, pins, Ethnic Artifacts, books, and arts will be on sale by local vendors. For information on The Art of Black Dance & Music, call 617.666.1859. For other program information, please contact: Catherine Park 617.349.6269 TTY/TDD: 617.492.0235

Don't miss this last master class on Ewe (EH-vay) dance from Ghana, taught by world-renowned Ghanaian Master Dancer Nani Agbeli, himself. Mr. Agbeli, who hails from the Ewe region of Ghana, West Africa, will be in Boston Nov. 15-Dec. 7 as an artist-in-residence at Tufts University. Come join the party:

THE SERIES CONTINUES WITH 1 MORE CLASS AFTER THANKSGIVING:

Wednesday Dec. 3, 6:00-7:30pm

Whether you are new to West African dance, or simply looking to tackle a beautiful tradition that is normally hard to find in Boston, Mr. Agbeli's teaching will inspire and challenge all ability levels. Set to live drumming of top area musicians, including Jerry Leake and Jeremy Cohen, this is a major cultural event not to be missed! Discount with pre-registration: 1 class = $15 / 2 classes = $25 / all 3 classes = $30. To register or for more information contact Jeremy Cohen at: 617.833.5207

About

Welcome to the Blog of WADaBo (West African Dance in Boston)! We are a group of individuals engaged in a collective effort to promote West African Dancing, Drumming, Music and Culture in and around Boston.

There are many master teachers here who teach a myriad of classes, and a vibrant community of students. We hope that this site can serve as a mode of communication amongst this community, a means of promotion for teachers based in Boston, as well as those who are going to be holding guest workshops here.

This Blog serves primarily as a public archive of / alternative consumption method for the WADaBo email list. If you would like to contribute to either, please get in touch. wadabo [at] g mail d o t c o m